Job Interview Questions

Notice how confident the question is. It’s not “if” but “when.” The question deftly reminds the interviewer that just as the company is considering you, you are considering the company.

1. Is there anything personally or professionally that you believe would prevent my being a solid contributor in this role? If not, you can assume that the next step is working out the hiring details. If yes, then you are positioned to address the objection.
2. Mr. Employer, your search is over.You will not find anyone else more qualified to do this job than I. If I were you, I’d cancel all the other interviews and make me an offer. This approach can be considered either confident or cheeky. But in the right tone of voice, it can be effective.
3. Mr. Employer, I’m not going to keep it a secret. I really want this job, and I know I will be fantastic in it. Now shut up and listen. Resist the temptation to justify this bold statement. If you are in a dead heat with two other candidates, all other things being equal, you can bet that the most enthusiastic job seeker will get the nod.
4. Until I hear from you again, what particular aspects of the job and this interview should I be considering? Notice how confident the question is. It’s not “if” but “when.” The question deftly reminds the interviewer that just as the company is considering you, you are considering the company.
5. I know I can meet the demands of the position and would make an outstanding contribution. Can I have the offer? Confronted so directly, the interviewer must make a statement about your chances of being hired. If the interviewer doesn’t, he or she isn’t interested in you at all.
6. What will be your recommendation to the hiring committee? Phrased like this, you are flattering the interviewer that his or her recommendation is valuable.
7. I’m ready to make a decision based on the information I have. Is there anything else you need to make me an offer? An effective one-two punch of a question that combines an expression of interest with a subtle invitation to see an offer.
8. I am very interested in this job, and I know your endorsement is key to my receiving an offer. May I have your endorsement? Phrased this way, the question does not request that the interviewer offer a job, but merely the endorsement. It also flatters the interviewer by making it clear that his or her recommendation carries considerable weight, whether it does or not.
9. It sounds to me as if we have a great fit here.What do you think? Note that this is very aggressive phrasing, perhaps best suited for a sales position.
10. It has been an interesting and fruitful discussion. I would very much like to take it to the next step. This is a statement rather than a question, but it closes the interview very effectively by not only requesting a next step, but assuming that there will be one.

Lori Cappozzi Bid-for-Action Questions
committee, hiring details, interviewer, job, questions